Pune: Former ISRO chairman K Sivan encouraged students to delve into space technology research on Monday at an education institute. Sivan, who was conferred with the lifetime achievement award by the Army Institute of Technology (AIT) in Dighi, explained the vast applications of space technology in benefiting society. His call to encourage students to participate in space technology comes amidst recent government reforms that have opened up opportunities for private players in the sector.
At the event, K Sivan underlined that space activities, such as spacecraft construction and rocket launches, were previously the exclusive domain of ISRO. However, with the recent reforms, academic institutions and industries can now actively engage in space activities, particularly in satellite manufacturing and applications. He stressed that these reforms have unlocked huge possibilities for the private sector, enabling them to play a crucial role in the future of rocket and satellite development.
Former ISRO Chief K Sivan is a renowned Indian aerospace engineer who played a pivotal role in India’s space program. Born on April 14, 1957, in a village in Tamil Nadu, Sivan rose from humble beginnings to become a leading figure in ISRO. He graduated in aeronautical engineering from MIT and aerospace engineering from IISc, before joining ISRO in 1982.
Sivan worked on several notable projects, including the PSLV and GSLV programs, and developed the 6D trajectory simulation software SITARA. Under his leadership, ISRO achieved milestones like the successful launch of Chandrayaan-2 in 2019. Sivan received several awards, including the Dr Vikram Sarabhai Research Award and the Vigyan Ratna Award.
He was appointed as the Chairman of ISRO in January 2018 and served until January 2022. Sivan was also instrumental in the development of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark III, often referred to as ISRO’s most powerful rocket. He led the development of India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also known as Mangalyaan and was the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) when India became the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit in 2014.
Meanwhile, Southern Army Commander Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, the chief guest at the event, remarked that the Indian Army is undergoing a major technological transformation. He stated that India is dedicated to modernising its armed forces into a sophisticated war-fighting machine. Lt Gen Seth announced that 2025 will be recognised as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption,’ prioritising the assimilation, adoption, and integration of new technologies. He urged students to focus on dual-use technologies like AI, quantum computing, and robotics, which hold immense military relevance.
AIT Director Brigadier Abhay Bhat announced that the institute is in the process of obtaining autonomous status. Furthermore, AIT has opened admissions for the children of Indian Air Force and Indian Navy personnel for certain courses this year.